What's in the future for state's cattle industry?

5:44 PM,
Aug. 24, 2013

Written by

David
BURTON

The cattle industry is big business in Missouri, with over 59,000 farms raising cattle. According to Ron Plain, University of Missouri Extension agricultural economist, the big question is: "Where is the industry headed?"

"Are we going to have continuing decline in cattle numbers, or are we going to turn it around? The direction we're headed has implications for all Missourians because a lot of tax base and a lot of jobs come with these cattle numbers," said Plain.

Historically, cattle have been the No. 1 product from Missouri farms. In recent years, cattle have slipped to No. 3 behind ...